Discretion

I always like to begin with a clear definition of what it is we are talking about, and I confess to loving the dictionary. Discretion is showing caution and good judgment in what one does, not giving away secrets; not showy or obtrusive; prudence. And what is it to be prudent? Capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters; cautious or discreet in conduct; circumspect; sensible; not rash; prompted by wisdom; Wise.    

So now to consider what  the Bible says about discretion, how it is described, and how we can apply ourselves to be discreet.

Proverbs 2:10-12 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things.

            Characteristics: Some people find wisdom and knowledge pleasant; for those people, discretion preserves, keeps, delivers. Here we also see that a lack of discretion is associated with the tongue.

             Proverbs 8:12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.

            Characteristics: Discretion is a trait that keeps company with wisdom, knowledge.

            Application: What kind of friends do you keep company with? Are they prudent?          Discreet? Wise? Searching for knowledge?

Proverbs 11:22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.

            Characteristics: A lack of discretion is unseemly, out of place, inappropriate. This        is obvious to everyone else in the room.

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.

            Characteristics: Discretion safeguards against quick or angry reactions. The fruit of        discretion is patience and forgiveness.

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.

            Characteristics: Prudence is far sighted and can anticipate consequences;         prudence is a little cynical, not gullible.

            Application: Women are easily deceived by men, and discretion and prudence will protect them from being gullible.

Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.

            Characteristics: It begins in the heart, and comes out the lips in sweetness. Again          we see the connection to knowledge and learning.

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

            Characteristics: It is not lazy, but is seeking more knowledge; it is a heart         attitude.

Proverbs 19:14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

            Characteristics: A woman who is discreet and prudent is a prize. She makes a             desirable wife; she is from the Lord.

How can women, young or old, be indiscreet? (I’ve described this elsewhere as when her slip is showing.)

1. Saying things they ought not.

            What kinds of things? Things their parents, children, husband, or friend would not appreciate; passing on information that was supposed to be confidential, not public; revealing secrets. Over-sharing. In general, being mouthy.

2. Doing things they ought not.

            Wearing inappropriate/immodest clothing; being loud and boisterous; bossy; flirtatious with the men; over physical with the girls; not self-governed when it comes to movies, parties, curfews, hanging out with the guys, etc.